Strikeforce Payouts: Johnson Earns $16,000

Lavar Johnson’s unlikely return to competition earned him a second-round victory and a $16,000 purse, the highest of all those distributed to fighters at Strikeforce Challengers 7 last Friday in Fresno, Calif.

The 32-year-old Johnson, who was in a hospital bed only eight months earlier in critical condition from three gunshot wounds to his body, was also the biggest draw for the partisan crowd, which numbered 4,963 attendees and paid a $109,222 gross gate, according to CSAC figures.

Strikeforce’s fighter payroll for its seventh Challengers effort -- which spotlights up-and-coming talent and airs on Showtime –- was $73,000. Three amateur MMA events (in which the fighters aren’t compensated and are regulated by CAMO) rounded out the undercard.

Strikeforce Challengers 7 Payouts

Lavar Johnson -- $16,000 (including $8,000 win bonus) def. Lolohea Mahe -- $3,000

Ron Humphrey -- $7,000 (including $3,500 win bonus) def. George Bush -- $5,000

Andre Galvao -- $10,000 (no win bonus listed) def. Luke Stewart -- $5,000

Miesha Tate -- $5,000 (including $2,000 win bonus) def. Zoila Frausto -- $3,000

Justin Wilcox -- $12,000 (including $6,000 win bonus) def. Shamar Bailey -- $4,000

Daniel Cormier -- $500 (no win bonus listed) def. John Devine -- $2,500

Note: These numbers, sent to Sherdog.com by the California State Athletic Commission, are disclosed pay only. These figures do not include additional bonuses or percentages of other revenue.